DON’T LET FALSE BALANCE HAPPEN. We got played for years debating skeptics on tv interviews. Don’t let this happen - it just amplifies edge case cranks. Refuse, explain to the editor what is happening.

If there is a genuine scientific uncertainty, explain that, suggest scientists who have a different but defensible view.

The key is to understand the incentives of the misinformer and do what you can to counter it. But don't waste *all* your energy doing that, get good information out there. You're doing a public service.

If the misinformation keeps happening, try to understand the power structures. In newsrooms, it might be editors wishing to push a point of view, and needing a thin veneer of scientific credibility to achieve that. Refuse to cooperate. If there is an overseeing body, find it.

For example, the BBC (finally) recognised what was happening with false balance in climate science reporting, and changed internal guidance on how to report it. This took years. https://www.carbonbrief.org/exclusive-bbc-issues-internal-guidance-on-how-to-report-climate-change

I should say a couple of final things. First UR DOING GREAT HUN I've been amazed by the speed at which many COVID scientists have internalised all these things, and are providing really good information to the public.

Second, remember you as a scientists ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR COUNTERING ALL THE NONSENSE AND FIXING ALL THE POLICY. You can help, but it's not all on you. Give yourself a break.